Update, Day 11

Well the boys are holding their own, but unfortunately not without further issues.

Nolan was doing great. He was successfully treated with ibuprofen for a heart murmur (caused by a malfunctioning valve - referred to as PDA - patent ductus arteriosus); however, two days ago they found infection in his aspirate and started treating him for pneumonia with heavy doses of antibiotics. While the doctor didn't seem overly concerned with the infection, his heart murmur has unfortunately returned. Likely caused by the pneumonia, but regardless of the reason, it's back. He had another echocardiogram today and the neonatologist will review the findings with the pediatric cardiologist to decide what the next step in treatment is. I gave him a little talking to today, because he is the one we have been able to not worry about as much, so he needs to stay strong for his brother. Hopefully it will all be easily resolved. On a positive, Nolan continues to eat well, 7mls of breast milk per feed, and has surpassed his birth weight now weighing in at a hefty 930 grams (2 lbs, 1 oz).

Asher also has a heart murmur (caused by a PDA), but fingers crossed, after 2 doses of a 3 day treatment, it cannot be detected at the moment. We were more worried about Asher's PDA because the treatments and potential surgery (for both of them if not resolved by the time they are 3 weeks old) are much riskier for him because of his bleeds. Last dose of the treatment will be tonight or tomorrow, so here's hoping the murmur stays at bay. Because of the PDA treatment, Asher has had to stop oral feeds so he will be a bit behind Nolan on the feeding schedule. He isn't too far behind on weight at this point though, at 880 grams, so he's inching closer to his birth weight as well. Additionally, Asher had a repeat head ultrasound today to make sure the bleeds have not gotten worse. We were hoping to get the results today but a radiologist hadn't read them yet so we won't know anything further until we speak to the neonatologist tomorrow.

On a happy note for Asher (and me) I got an hour long skin to skin cuddle session with him yesterday that was just amazing. Poor Nolan needs to be off the ventilator before that can happen for him but hopefully it can start happening more regularly for Asher and me. Asher was very stable throughout it so it made me feel really good. I even got to kiss him before the nurse put him back!

Other than that, things aren't getting better but they're not exactly getting worse, so we just need to hope and pray that all these obstacles start resolving so we can all have some days where we feel like we see real progress. As for me, I am finally seeing physical improvements, so I am off the narcotics at the very least (still depending on Tylenol and Ibuprofen but the lack of the serious drugs makes me feel better). I did however have a run in with a serrated knife and the end of my finger, so 2 hours in the ER on my first morning alone with Rio didn't really help any of this. I'd like to blame it on being a post partum mom, but really I think I'm probably just that dumb.

In the mean time, the boys are looking cuter every day - here are some new pictures...

Asher - "kangaroo care"

Nolan